Entry level PHP question concerning Db to web

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Ebonsun
Forum Newbie
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 2:42 pm

Entry level PHP question concerning Db to web

Post by Ebonsun »

First off: Hello, and well met! I am completely new to PHP, and for the last week or so have been lurking around in various forums trying to pick up info about what I need (want) to know, and finaly figured that PHP Forums might be the best place to place my first query. If not, just let me know... or if necessary, point me to a better place to do so and I will.

Anyway, here's what I'm after... Maybe you all can help.

I'm a movie poster collector and trader and am in the beginning stages of designing a site that dynamicly presents searchable data (my list of available posters) which utilizes a database. I'd like to eventualy end up with a site not unlike the one at:

http://www.posteritati.com

My current host supports PHP and MySQL databases, therefore I am trying to learn what it is I need to know to enable me to create this.

However, I've encountered a stumbling block. I've slammed into a wall trying to understand the vernacular I need to know in order to perform searches, both here and elsewhere, to find and read up how to do this. I am very interested in reading more, learning what to do, and to hopefully generate the code necessary to do this myself - if it is within my ability to do so. I just haven't been able get to the point where I can figure out if it is yet.

About me: I am not a professional web designer, nor a programer. My skillset is currently limited to a working knowledge of HTML, and a growing understanding of how to populate and create MySQL databases.

So, onto the nuts and bolts of my question(s):

Resources:

1. Are there any worthwhile books geared for complete novices about creating basic *search form* to *database* to *web page* php creation? (As stated, I'm totaly mired in the terminology atm.)

2. Are there (by chance) any existing web applications that can automate (or help automate) creation of pages like this? (If so, pros and cons?)

(Note: I have looked into full packages like osCommerce and Cubcart, but as I do not need --or want-- a 'shopping cart' neither of these monsters seem to be what I'm looking for.)

Terminology:

1. What is the term used for the page which presents post-search database information on the client's computer?

More specificaly: I am assuming I need three things to make this function -- a search form that queries the database, a database, and a page to present the data.

A. What are the 'keywords' to search for these different entities? (Db's I know well enough to search for problems / help... the other two... I'm clueless.)

So far those are my biggest learning curve stumbling blocks.

Thanks much for reading through this. And many, MANY, thanks in advance for taking to the time to even *think* about replying. Hopefully your answers will help chip away the mortar of the wall I seem to have encountered in my self tutorial.

And again, well met. You guys seem to have a great community here.

Cheers,
-Ebonsun

(http://www.ebonsun.com)
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Michael 01
Forum Commoner
Posts: 87
Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2004 12:26 am

Post by Michael 01 »

There are quite a few books found at Barnes and Noble that focus on using php with mysql, or each in their own indentity.
The best way to learn PHP is to have a dev site set up, and buy a few books with diagrams and code snippets to help the transitional phase in the learning curve.
Make sure that when you pick a php version, that the book goes with it though. With each version that comes out, a new way of coding take shape especially after 4.0. Go with versions of PHP that are 4.0 and above, and go with books that are 4.1 and greater. This will start you off on the rite foot when it concerns Globals or other problematic areas that have been resolved since earlier publications.

Searching the DB can be quite easy and accurate, as well as performance minded if indexed properly. Most of those topics would be covered in a standalone MYSQL book, or of course mysql.com.

php.net is the other alternative, and I would suggest downloading their manual to your hardrive for even further reference.

:)
McGruff
DevNet Master
Posts: 2893
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:26 pm
Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Post by McGruff »

Php is a relatively easy language to learn but even so it will still take time and commitment to write good scripts.

If you have the time to work hard at it, in a month you could be writing spaghetti code (it'll work but it'll be a mess and difficult to maintain).

In six months, you'll be able to tackle most projects and do a decent job.

In a year+ you'll be able to design programs with OOP (object oriented programming). It'll take longer to really master.

You mentioned you are trading: part of the calculation must be how much your time is worth. Programming can be interesting in its own right but if you just want to get a job done it might be worth considering a professional prgrammer.

First stop is to get the php manual from php.net. The dowloadable version with user comments is the one you want. Mysql manual at mysql.com.

Database design: http://www.oreilly.de/catalog/javadtabp ... /ch02.pdf .

Google around for online tutorials: there's lots out there - maybe start with the links on php.net and check out zend.com.
Ebonsun
Forum Newbie
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2004 2:42 pm

Post by Ebonsun »

Heya guys, thanks much for your replies.

I'll definitely browse through the resources you mentioned. Some I have heard of and have already flipped through, others were brand new. However, most online resources are still boggling me, so a good bookstore will probubly be my next step. (Thanks for hiping me to the version issue, Michael. I probubly wouldn't have even thought of it...)

Still, McGruff kinda hit it on the head though. I'm really beginning to wonder, even as a generaly stubborn do-it-yourselfer, if really digging in and learning this language myself -- just to do this, and not much more -- is going to be the best route to an end for me. Farming this out to a programmer might just be the all around better bet. We'll see.

Anyway, off to do more reading. Sincere thanks for entertaining this novices questions, and for pointing me in some new directions.

Cheers!
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